Exposure Secondhand Smoke Public Places

According to the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), for the 2013-2014 survey years, 14% (12.0%, 18.2%) of Simcoe Muskoka residents (12+) that identified as non-smokers said that they were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke in public places, which was not significantly different from the comparable provincial average of 15% (14.0%, 15.5%).

The reporting of regular exposure to secondhand smoke in public places is highest among non-smoking children and youth (12-19 years) and decreases with age. In 2013-2014, 29% (20.5%, 39.3%) of non-smoking and youth in Simcoe Muskoka reported regular exposure to secondhand smoke in public, which was similar to what was reported for all children and youth across the province.

Urban and Rural Geography

Regular exposure to secondhand smoke among non-smokers is higher for those living in urban areas compared with those residing in rural areas. In 2013-2014, 16% (12.7%, 20.3%) of Simcoe Muskoka non-smokers (12+) living in urban areas were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke in public, which was significantly higher than the 9% (6.5%, 12.6%) for those that live in rural areas. The increased exposure to secondhand smoke among urban populations was also observed when looking at the province as a whole.

Income​

Regular exposure to secondhand smoke among non-smokers is higher for those living in households with less income. In 2013-2014, 17% (15.2%, 19.3%) of Ontario non-smokers (12+) living in households in the bottom 20 per cent of income were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke in public, which was significantly higher than the 13% (11.7%, 14.5%) for those living in households in the top 20 per cent of income. Secondhand smoke exposure in public did not differ by income in Simcoe Muskoka for the 2013-2014 survey period.